Well, that's the "future" —or is it already fast becoming the "present"?—envisioned by the giant corporations that dominate the internet.pylkko wrote: I am aware of the existing DIY cloud platforms (owncloud, nextcloud etc), and even of things like zeta https://zetaglobal.com/zeta-private-data-cloud/ which at least claim to use your data responsibly. But what I meant with that comment was more that new people, i.e people that are aged 15, and the generations to come after them, it seems that they are more and more into using cloud computing. Many uni freshmen nowadays don't even own other computers than mobile devices. In essence, they only have "thin client" to web services on a devices where Apple or Google has root. Most of the services that are considered essential not just for using computers but to living a normal life are, proprietary, closed sourced, pay-per-use services, which own your data and meta data and diplay adds like, youtube, spotify, whatsapp, google docs, pics, music whatever.
Self-driving cars that you can pay-per-use are coming. Just imagine being shown a few messages from out sponsors before you are allowed to depart. That's the "future".
Can we do anything against this Orwellian "future"? As I posted in the other topic, I think that Debian is doing something about it. Some degree of decentralization will come about by the combination of the new technology of free microprocessors and free software thus putting internet services into the hands of, and under the control of, individual users. It is not enough just to run free client software; it is also necessary to run, or, in the case of non-technical users, at least have full access to, wholly free server software operating on such microprocessors.
Thanks for reading and for any comments.